I propose to take Questions Nos. 1151 and 1152 together.
The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform have provided for Special Leave with Pay (SLWP) for the recommended isolation period (currently 7 days), for civil and public servants nationally who contract Covid. For certain employees who remain unfit to attend the workplace and are suffering from long-Covid, a temporary Scheme, specific to the public health service was introduced to provide for Paid Leave for Public Health Service Employees unfit for work post Covid infection. Employees who met the eligibility criteria for the Scheme will have transferred to the Scheme on 1st July 2022. For those who do not meet the criteria for the temporary Scheme but remain unwell, the provisions of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme may be utilised.It is my understanding that an epidemiological survey is planned by the HSE which will provide insight into the prevalence of long-Covid in the Irish population including risk factors for developing long- Covid. The HSE has also commissioned a review by the Health Information and Quality Authority to assess the latest international evidence on Long Covid.The nature of the health sector specific Special Scheme from the outset was temporary, running for 12 months only, and as such, this Scheme is due to conclude, as the Deputy points out, on 30 June this year. I am acutely aware of the issues experienced by public health employees in relation to Long Covid and am committed to providing support. I have my officials to look at available options.
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy in respect of the HSE absentee numbers sought, however the staff of section 39 bodies are not public servants, and as such I am not in a position to advise the Deputy in respect of staff absences in those bodies.
